About School of Continuing Education:
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) serves as Cornell’s gateway to lifelong learning, providing traditional and non-traditional learners alike with innovative, flexible, and accessible educational opportunities that transform lives, advance careers, and positively impact communities around the world. Dating back to 1876, Cornell SCE was one of the first official summer programs offered in the United States.

In partnership with Cornell schools and colleges and with eCornell, SCE offers: Summer Session/Winter Session courses for credit on campus, off campus, and online, Precollege programs, and Part-time study for visiting students, year-round. In addition, SCE is launching a new online part-time bachelor’s degree program for non-traditional students, working closely with Cornell’s Provost, the Vice Provost for External Education, the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, and an advisory board of Cornell faculty members. The degree will draw heavily upon existing expertise and resources of Cornell faculty and eCornell to ensure a high-quality educational experience.

SCE students include matriculated Cornell students, as well as visiting precollege, undergraduate, and graduate students from around the world; Cornell faculty, staff, and alumni; area residents; working adults and community college graduates; military service members and veterans; incarcerated individuals; students in Indigenous communities; farmworkers, and others with diverse educational backgrounds and paths to higher education.

The Assistant Director of Academic Operations Opportunity

The Assistant Director of Academic Operations supports the successful implementation and ongoing administration of the School of Continuing Education’s academic programs, with primary responsibility for the academic and administrative operations of the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program.

Working under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Director coordinates the academic operations and cross-functional processes that support SCE’s programs and students. In partnership with the head of SCE’s Student Services team, who serves as SCE’s central liaison to the Cornell University Registrar and Cornell Office of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director ensures that academic policies, program requirements, and related processes are implemented effectively. The Assistant Director serves as the primary Academic Affairs liaison to Cornell colleges, schools, academic departments, faculty, eCornell, and other university stakeholders; oversees academic program administration and student progression workflows; and supports a consistent academic experience for students from matriculation through degree completion. The Assistant Director develops and maintains relationships with SUNY and other university and community college systems as necessary to advance and improve the transition of students to the BPS program.

The Assistant Director oversees the review and evaluation of degree applicants and may coordinate temporary staff support during peak processing periods. They will exercise judgment in resolving complex academic and operational issues, implementing university policies and procedures, recommending policy and process improvements, and coordinating cross-functional activities that support student success and program effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Program Operations
• Academic Coordination
• Cross-functional Partnership Management
• Administrative Planning and Analysis
• Policy and Process Management

What We Need

For further consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, academic operations, accreditation, quality assurance and assessment, course coordination, or related areas; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional academic projects or initiatives.
• Knowledge of student lifecycle processes, including admissions, registration, financial aid, advising, or student records.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex institutional environments and build productive working relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Experience working with student information systems, CRM platforms, or similar enterprise systems.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

If you have all those things, here are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include.

• Master's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with adult learners or professional education and online education delivery.
• Knowledge of Cornell University.

This is a full-time position based in Ithaca, New York. The selected candidate will work fully onsite during the initial onboarding and training period, with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement thereafter based on business needs and supervisor approval. Core business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the specific schedule determined in collaboration with the supervisor.

Visa sponsorship and relocation are not available for this position.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.